Scottish Belt Pistol

Jim McDougall · 16th April 2021, 12:59 AM

I have had this pistol for more years than I can recall, and as firearms are not really a topic I know much on, I would appreciate any insight from you guys who know them well.

Obviously it is a belt pistol (clip on side) and by JD Dougall of Glasgow (maybe a relative ?

so is certainly Scottish.
The lion face on the butt is interesting.
I have no idea the bore.

Any ideas?

corrado26 · 16th April 2021, 08:05 AM

James Dalziel Dougall, gunmaker and fish-hook maker 1830-1875, Glasgow, 23 Gordon Street

Jim McDougall · 16th April 2021, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corrado26

James Dalziel Dougall, gunmaker and fish-hook maker 1830-1875, Glasgow, 23 Gordon Street

Thank you so much Udo!! I figured this pistol c. 1840's but seems with that range likely later.

fernando · 16th April 2021, 06:23 PM

Very nice pistol; solid ... and in pristine condition.
Easy to figure out the bore; introduce your index finger into the barrel ... and take a guess

.
Sorry Jim, couldn't hold it

.
Looking at the barrel and by what we see out there of Dougall, must be a large caliber, like a 54 bore (.44)

.

fernando · 16th April 2021, 06:36 PM

... Amd those would be proof marks ? ...

.

.

Jim McDougall · 16th April 2021, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

Very nice pistol; solid ... and in pristine condition.
Easy to figure out the bore; introduce your index finger into the barrel ... and take a guess

.
Sorry Jim, couldn't hold it

.
Looking at the barrel and by what we see out there of Dougall, must be a large caliber, like a 54 bore (.44)

.

LOL!

good one Nando!

rickystl · 18th April 2021, 06:57 PM

Hi Jim

That's a very nice pistol. And appears in good condition. With the exception of the wood grip, it's all metal construction is reminiscent of the earlier all metal construction Scottish pistols. Often, collectors consider Scottish made guns to be rare compared to their British counterparts. There were simply less gunsmiths working during this period.
Your initial guess of the 1840's period was not far off. My guess, with the all metal construction, captured ramrod, and what appears to be a hook-style breech, might place the pistol in the 1850-60 era.
Two questions:

1 Is the barrel rifled or smooth bore ?
2 Is the barrel and breech/plug of the hook-style ? In other words, is there an easy way to unfasten the barrel and simply lift it off the stock ? The breech tang and barrel/plug being seperate pieces ?

Thanks. The pistol, especially if Scottish made, is a nice collectors piece.

Rick

16th April 2021, 12:59 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,745	Scottish Belt Pistol I have had this pistol for more years than I can recall, and as firearms are not really a topic I know much on, I would appreciate any insight from you guys who know them well. Obviously it is a belt pistol (clip on side) and by JD Dougall of Glasgow (maybe a relative ? so is certainly Scottish. The lion face on the butt is interesting. I have no idea the bore. Any ideas? Attached Images

16th April 2021, 06:36 PM	#5
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,642	... Amd those would be proof marks ? ... . . Attached Images

16th April 2021, 08:05 AM	#2
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,167	James Dalziel Dougall, gunmaker and fish-hook maker 1830-1875, Glasgow, 23 Gordon Street

16th April 2021, 06:23 PM	#4
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,642	Very nice pistol; solid ... and in pristine condition. Easy to figure out the bore; introduce your index finger into the barrel ... and take a guess . Sorry Jim, couldn't hold it . Looking at the barrel and by what we see out there of Dougall, must be a large caliber, like a 54 bore (.44) .

18th April 2021, 06:57 PM	#7
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,621	Hi Jim That's a very nice pistol. And appears in good condition. With the exception of the wood grip, it's all metal construction is reminiscent of the earlier all metal construction Scottish pistols. Often, collectors consider Scottish made guns to be rare compared to their British counterparts. There were simply less gunsmiths working during this period. Your initial guess of the 1840's period was not far off. My guess, with the all metal construction, captured ramrod, and what appears to be a hook-style breech, might place the pistol in the 1850-60 era. Two questions: 1 Is the barrel rifled or smooth bore ? 2 Is the barrel and breech/plug of the hook-style ? In other words, is there an easy way to unfasten the barrel and simply lift it off the stock ? The breech tang and barrel/plug being seperate pieces ? Thanks. The pistol, especially if Scottish made, is a nice collectors piece. Rick